What is Model Argument

This chapter explores a case study in the restaurant industry by evaluating accusations against John Besh, a celebrity chef, and his organization, the Besh Restaurant Group (now BRG Hospitality). Applying the work of Perleman and Olbrechts-Tyteca and their identification of model and anti-model argumentation schemes, this study reveals how organizations and industries can address accusations against members (anti-model) and also propose and advocate for changes (model) to improve symbolic and material conditions for their industry, their employees, and their stakeholder communities. By evaluation of the discourses by leaders and members of the restaurant industry, celebrity chefs, and the mass media for their responses to sexual harassment and assault accusations; the opportunity for this movement and protest to serve as a catalyst for change and action might be understood. This case study, related to the restaurant industry, is also intended to illustrate how cases in other industries revealed through the #MeToo movement may also be catalysts for change.